Activists Celebrate Avelo Airlines’ Departure from Bradley Airport
A coalition of groups from Massachusetts and Connecticut marked the upcoming exit of Avelo Airlines from Bradley International Airport on Saturday. The airline faced public backlash due to its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate deportation flights.
Opposition to Deportation Flights
John Majercak, representing Indivisible Northampton Swing Left Western Massachusetts, highlighted the plight of immigrants affected by these flights:
“These are people who are shackled, many of them have not gone before a judge, their families don’t know where they are. They’ve essentially been kidnapped and relocated in a very illegal way.”
He emphasized that companies assisting ICE should not receive public support. “We think that any company that’s helping (ICE) shouldn’t get anyone’s business. So we’re spreading the word, letting people know not to fly them.”
Activist Actions and Reactions
Activists from local chapters of Indivisible and the Democratic Socialists of America in Connecticut displayed large banners over the Route 75 overpass near the airport. They referred to their efforts as a successful pressure campaign against the airline.
Majercak expressed deep concern about ICE’s treatment of immigrants, stating:
“People are just horrified at what they’ve been seeing.”
The activists split into two groups during the protest, with some demonstrating at Bradley Airport itself.
Summary
Massachusetts and Connecticut activists hailed Avelo Airlines’ departure from Bradley Airport as a victory against its involvement in ICE deportation flights.
Author’s summary: Activists from Massachusetts and Connecticut celebrated Avelo Airlines leaving Bradley Airport, condemning its participation in ICE deportation flights and raising awareness about immigrant rights violations.